Jan 27, 2007 newsletter

Howdee!

Security breach at T.J. Maxx could affect you
There have been so many security breaches at companies lately that people are almost immune to them. The latest one is so large and potentially dangerous that I wanted you to know about it. TJX, which owns T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, Home Goods and A.J. Wright, is the latest company to announce that customers' credit card, debit card and check information has been compromised. Apparently, the breach happened several years ago without the company's knowledge, so it has affected millions of people over the last few years. The hackers broke into the company's computer system in 2003 and it has been going on ever since. The breach could be especially detrimental to people who have used their debit cards at these stores. The company is asking customers to check their statements carefully. So far, no major issues have occurred, but if you've shopped at any of these stores you want to check your documents very carefully! This kind of thing can happen anywhere, anytime. The question is why aren't companies doing more to prevent it? Speaking of clothing stores….

Clothing is a steal at most retailers
You may have heard that retailers had a lousy Christmas last year, especially those in the clothing market. Consumers were all about electronics this holiday season, and that includes women and men. Digital cameras, televisions and HDTVs were the popular picks for everyone. Add to that the fact that it's been a pretty mild winter, which keeps people from buying the warm clothing they normally would. The upside to this news is that retailers will have fantastic deals on clothing in the next few weeks. In fact, "past season" or winter clothing is going to be extra cheap, so you can stock up for next winter. Retailers are basically dying to get rid of this inventory to make room for the spring and summer clothes. The only retailers that had a good Christmas were Costco Wholesale, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Guess. So, you won't find the deals at those places. But nearly everywhere else you go will be a steal.

Why extended warranties are a rip
Consumer Reports' latest edition is all about what a waste of money extended warranties are. Every dollar you pay for an extended warranty, you're really only getting about 15 or 20 cents on it. Why is that? First of all, the quality of the electronics and appliances is so good these days that the chance of them breaking is miniscule. Secondly, if something does happen it will probably be after the warranty runs out. In addition, although the products are high quality, they will lose value with each year you own them. And you never want to insure a rapidly decreasing product. Also keep in mind that when you buy an item on a major credit card, you usually extend the manufacturer's warranty by one year. So, extended warranties and service contracts simply aren't worth it.

Jellyfish.com could save you dough
The latest invention to save you money online is called Jellyfish.com. It's a comparison shopping site like the others, but Jellyfish also gives you a direct discount off your purchase. Usually it's about two percent. But what you need to remember is that no site will always have the best deal. You always want to shop around.

And now, for this week's fun freebies!

Free samples for your baby at http://www.babiesonline.com/offers -

Free $5 prepaid mastercard http://yoitsme.com/free/



Banquet Frozen Foods free coupon booklet
http://www.conagrafoods.com/promotions/banquet_promo.jsp

Free Advance Copy Children's Books from HarperCollins Publishing
http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/HarperChildrens/Members/firstlook/index.aspx

Printable Coupon for Free Movie from Movie Gallery
http://www.moviegallery.com/coupons/conh49a7.aspx

Free $15 GC from American Gem Society
http://www.americangemsociety.org/cnn/index.php

Free 128MB TriLink USB Thumb Drive or $10 iTunes Gift Certificate
http://www.trilinkbiotech.com/catalog.asp?Source=Fall_Promo_2006

B1G1F Progresso Soup coupon
http://www.bettycrocker.com/coupons-promotions/progresso-coupon-dvr.htm?RedirectURL=TiVoDVRDealURL

Free Olay Definity anti-aging facial moisturizer sample
http://walmart.triaddigital.com/enhancedrendercontent_ektid10250.aspx

Scotch-BriteT Carpet Touch Up Roller Try Me FREE Offer!
http://mmm.apfco.com/w1231/pdf/ScotchBriteRebate.pdf

Free Diabetic Meter and Test Strips
http://iw.rtm.com/ADCSample/register.asp

Have a great week out there!
CENTSerely,
Sister Thrifty

Tax time already?

Hi everyone!
It’s only January but tax time is already on my mind. I guess with New Year’s resolutions and all, I’ve been evaluating all of my family’s expenses again, trying to cut back. It’s a good idea to annually review your bills and compare other options that might be out there. If you’re thinking about tax time too, you’ll be happy to know the free filing program from the IRS is available once again. So, who’s eligible? If your income is more than $60,000 a year, you might not qualify. So, it’s a good thing to figure out your adjusted gross income (AGI) before you start the process. Your AGI must be less than $52,000 a year to use the free program. That covers about 70 percent of all income earners. And there is a special rule that applies just for this year. You will get an extra tax break if you wait until after Feb. 3 to file. Waiting specifically benefits people who live in states with no state income tax. The IRS free tax filing has changed every year for the past three, so read the fine print carefully.

I found this little web site that could help you trim expenses on meal time: www.eatingonabudget.com

I hate getting charged for calling 411, so I was thrilled to find this nugget of information: Call to get phone numbers to businesses or residences for FREE! It is for anyone who doesn't have information directory on their phone but anyone can use it. Here is the number 1 800 373 3411. An easy way to remember it is 1-800-FREE-411.


Still getting those pre-screened credit card offers in the mail? You have the option of opting out of those offers for 5 years, or permanently. You can go to www.optoutprescreen.com or you can call 1-888-5-OPTOUT. Requests are generally processed within 5 business days, but it can take up to 60 days for you to stop receiving offers.

Produce prices are on the way up. Weather is hitting us hard these days, and our crops have suffered. Many crops were wiped out by the freezes going on around the country, so demand is high. If you like fruits and vegetables, or you enjoy eating a salad every day, you’re going to pay a lot more for these.

Student loan rates are dropping! What’s up with the current student loan system these days? Well, federal subsidized student loans are dropping to about 3.4 percent! Interest rates had been bumped up to more than 7 percent by the last Congress, and it was part of a corrupt, political move to pad the pockets of bankers. Thankfully, the new Congress is reversing that. As you probably expected, banks are livid. They want rates to be higher so they can make more money. But the outcry of the people will hopefully prevent them from winning out. This is for people taking out money going forward, so shop around before you settle for a rate.

Several of my friends are considering out-of-state moves for job offers. I found this cool Cost of Living Calculator that helps evaluate how far your money will go if you move. I found a huge difference in our expenses when we moved from Georgia to California!. Give it a try.
http://swz.salary.com/costoflivingwizard/layoutscripts/coll_start.asp


And now for some fun freebies!

Free coupon for free Tropicana
http://www.tropicana.ca/indexFlash.html

Sample Of Fibersure
http://www.fibersure.com/index_flash.shtml

Free Travel mug from GM
http://www.whygas.com/

Free Sample Healthy Futures Snack Bar http://healthyfutures.net/nlrc/products/free_sample.php

Free Wake Up In The USA Stickers
http://www.wakeupintheusa.com/friend.html

Free Almond Snack Tin From California Almonds
http://tinylink.com/?vVMlkogYdp



Have a great day!

CENTSerely,

Sister Thrifty

I have a dream...

Hi everyone! Happy Martin Luther King Day! I have a dream......to save more of my hard-earned money!!! I'll bet you have that same dream since you signed up for the "Deals That Are Nifty" newsletter!

So, did you declare a "New Year's Resolution" to start saving more money in 2007? Like any resolution, unless some action is taken on your part, nothing will ever change. The key to making your resolution become a reality is to set a goal. In other words, what do you want the 'extra' money for? Are you saving for a new car stereo system? What about a family trip?

Point is, when you have something to strive for, saving money becomes ten times easier. This goal is something you really want, so you will do what is necessary to be successful. Adopt The "Do I REALLY Need This" Approach Before you purchase ANYTHING, ask yourself if you REALLY truly need to have it. Whenever you are tempted to buy something, ask yourself "Do I REALLY NEED this new item, or do I just WANT it?" You may be surprised to learn that some of the purchases you make, you simply WANT to have and can probably get by without it (at least for now).

Take time to reflect on your current situation. Analyze your expenses to see where you might be able to cut-back to save more money. Remember, you and only you control the amount of money you save in 2007.

Below are some fun freebies to get you started on your other resolutions: cleaner house, lose weight, laugh more with the kids and spouse more, take better care of my health, etc. I love FREE!

Free Swiffer Duster! http://www.startsampling.com/partners/familycircle1/

90% off plus free shipping! Stock up on BAGS, RIBBONS, NICE paper, tissue paper, stuffed animals, christmas cards. http://www.papyrusonline.com/category/sale.do Use coupon code WFS06 for free shipping.

Two-Week FREE Trial Membership to any
Participating Curves location & Free Headband
http://www.proline-intl.com/CurvesPromo/sign_up.cfm

Free Latin Salsa Band CD
http://www.sontumbao.com/hsb_DemoCDForm.aspx

Free Sample of Del Mar.Fragrance for Men
http://tinylink.com/?azcwePWUyb

Free Noxema 4 Blade Shaver
( Click On Savvy Shaving Then Promotions)
http://tinylink.com/?GT68Bo7lQf

Free DVDPlay Kiosk Movie Rental- in safeway/Vons stores

http://www.dvdplay.com/kiosk-promos/free-movie.html

Free Local Telephone Number to Use Online
http://tinyurl.com/yy4536
Great to use when signing up for freebies & contests! Can store up to 10,000 voicemails.
You'll never have to give out your home phone number again & it's totally Free!!
Get a number in a different city for work, or to be local to out of town friends and family.
Pay no long distance to send messages back and forth.

Alrighty, that should keep you busy for a few minutes! Enjoy!
CENTSerely,
Sister Thrifty

Hot shots

Hi everyone!

Did you take a ton of holiday photos this year? Here are the latest offers I can find for getting prints of your digitals at little to no cost! Most of these do require you pay S&H which is minimal really, for the amount of photos you can get!

MOST OF THESE ARE FOR NEW CUSTOMERS to the site
some have additional OFFERS for both returning and new customers
have some fun!

AdoramaPix - 25 Free Prints through link
PROFESSIONAL QUALITY!

Clark Color Labs - 20 Free Prints through link
PLUS 9c per print offer! WOWZA

ClubPhoto - 20 Free Prints through link

CVS (pick up instore) - 10 Free Prints through link

DotPhoto - 50 Free Prints through link
NO COST SHIPPING with order of $24.99+

Fotomat - 15 Free Prints through link

Kodak EasyShare Gallery - 20 Free Prints through Link

MyPhotoAlbum - 20 Free Prints through link

Mystic Color Lab - 20 Free Prints through link

PhotoMama - 10 Free Prints through link

PhotoMax - 20 Free Prints through link

Photosite - 10 4x6 prints

PhotoThru - 20 Free Prints Plus 2 Photo CD’s through link

PhotoWorks - 25 Free Prints through link

SMALL PHOTO BOOK no cost w/ any purchase: Coupon code: C446-38-5153-41

NO COST S&H w/ any purchase Coupon code: C609-38-5164-21

RitzPix - 10 Free Prints Code: free4×6

Shutterfly - 15 Free Prints through link

Coupon Code 17AF-PTWN Spend $20 and get a free 8x10 print Offer Expires Jan 09 2007

Snapfish - 20 Free Prints through Link

Coupon Code FREESHIPJAN Free shipping on up to 100 4x6 prints Offer Expires Jan 15 2007

15% off ANY ORDER Coupon code: BARGAINB1511

Sony ImageStation - 20 Free Prints through link

Target (pick up instore) - 10 Free Prints through link

WhoBlinked - 50 Free Prints Code: Whobwelcome ($1.99 s/h)

Winkflash - 50 Free Prints Code: WF23EA73 (99¢ s/h)

Yahoo (pick up at Target or mail) - 20 Free Prints through link (no s/h for 10)

__._,_.___

Have a great week!

CENTSerely,

Sister Thrifty

New Year's Resolutions

Happy New Year!!
After my computer crashed and my typing fingers were broken and in a cast, Sister Thrifty is finally up and ready to save money again! Yay! I hope your 2006 was great and that your 2007 will be even better! Two of the most popular New Year’s resolutions are to lose weight and to save more money. Well, here are a few tips to help you with both of those today!

Personal trainers are very hot these days. But how do you know if the person who is training you is legitimate? A TV station in Boston wanted to find out so it had reporters try to get “certified.” One reporter was able to take a two-hour online test and within a week she had her certification in hand. There are only a handful of accredited organizations that legitimately certify personal trainers. They are:
• American Council on Exercise
• National Council on Strength and Fitness
• National Strength and Conditioning Association
• National Academy of Sports Medicine
• National Federation of Personal Trainers

To get a FREE Pedometer from “Keep Moving” click here:
http://tinylink.com/?yHulkdlcZR

With all the walking you’ll be doing with your new, free pedometer you might want to check out the bargain sales on shoes at “MARTYS SHOES” **Free Shipping On Orders Of $29 & Up**
Womens Shoes 75% Off
Mens Shoes 50% Off
Kids Shoes 50% Off
Shoes Priced Under $10 A Pair
http://tinylink.com/?gB3xD8q1Qq


If just thinking about dieting is enough exercise for you then click here to get a FREE chocolate bar from Lindt – their truffles are the best! http://hwoa.info/dec/free_promotion.php


Here’s a FREE 2007 Roadsides In Bloom Calendar http://tinylink.com/?Hf2udvEOpy

If you have international travel plans for 2007 then you need to know the rules have changed again. For people who are flying to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean, you must have a passport starting Jan. 23. You don’t want to spend money on a trip and lose it because you’ve forgotten to get your passport. If you’re wondering why this is happening, it’s because of the threat of terrorism around the world. The next phase in the new rules concerns auto travel and cruises, but that won’t go into effect until January of 2008. Getting a passport takes several weeks, so be sure to plan ahead!

Good luck with all of your New Year’s resolutions. Remember, a goal not written down is only a wish. Make it happen this year!

CENTSerely,

Sister Thrifty